There are indication that the Joint Research and Allied Institutions Sectors Union (JORAISU) will by Tuesday, February 29, 2012, suspend their strike. This comes as the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Chukwuemeka Wogu appealed for the immediate suspension of the strike. The union had on February 9, 2012, embarked on strike to protest non-payment of their 12 months salary arrears, non-implementation of research funds, non-implementation of 65 years retirement age for staff among others.

A source told Daily Trust that the meeting which lasted for six hours was between the Minister of Labour and Productivity and representatives of the union, office of the Head of Service of the federation and office of the Surveyor General.

The communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, which was signed by all parties, including the representative of the federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Mrs Chinedu C. Dike, said the Minister of Labour and Productivity will consult with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and other relevant ministries in the research sector over the issues contained in the January 31st 2011 agreement.

It added that a stakeholders technical committee will be set up to look at all issues in the said agreement.

"Based on the above, all issues patterning to the suspension of the on-going strike will be addressed by the union on or before February 29, 2012, and there shall be no victimization of any worker who took part in the strike," the communique added.

Speaking with Daily Trust yesterday, Kwara State chairman of the Trade Union Congress, Comrade Israel Ayoku Adebisi said the minister has promised to solve the issues raised within 60 days.